THE first Edinburgh International Culture Summit gets under way today.

Speakers will gather from around the world to discuss the ways in which culture can bring countries closer together.

The summit, which is being held over two days at the Scottish Parliament, is a collaboration between the Scottish Government, the UK Government, the Edinburgh International Festival and the British Council.

Culture ministers, artists and others involved in developing and implementing cultural policy will be given the opportunity to discuss the power, position and profile of the arts, culture and creative industries.

Countries with current or recent experiences of conflict, including Iraq and Northern Ireland, will take part in debates on how culture can act as a bridge between divided communities and assist in reconciliation.

There will also be representatives from developing nations such as Malawi, Bangladesh, Tanzania and Zambia.

Scotland's Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: "In the Year of Creative Scotland, we are honoured to welcome Government Ministers from around the world to the first-ever International Culture Summit held during the biggest and greatest arts festivals in the world in Edinburgh.

"At a time when so many nations are striving to secure a peaceful existence and equal human rights for their citizens, culture is able to translate these ideas into a common language that transcends societal differences.

"As a meeting of nations, this culture summit illustrates how Scotland cherishes and nurtures these ideals, showing that principle and human values lie at the heart of our constitutional journey.

"Culture and the arts are also powerful tools in building long-term relationships and trust between nations."

UK Culture Minister Ed Vaizey said: "The Olympics and the London 2012 Festival have been fantastic celebrations of UK culture, and clearly illustrated the role that the arts can play in bringing nations closer together.

"I am therefore delighted that so many nations will be represented at this, the first ever International Culture Summit, and look forward to the discussions that will follow."

Martin Davidson, chief executive of the British Council, said: "The Edinburgh International Culture Summit is an historic and unprecedented event.

"As the UK's cultural relations body, the British Council understands that culture acts as a bridge between nations, breaks down barriers and crosses political divides, allowing people worldwide to relate to our common humanity."

Jonathan Mills, director of the Edinburgh International Festival, said: "A summit focusing on mutual cultural interests and shared human values is both timely and appropriate and I look forward to the debates and discussions over these two days and to learning from nations and cultures from around the world."